Home underdog status rare for Gators

[pmull]

In the 21 years since Florida started its incredible run of success and turned from a sleeping bear into a roaring Gator, we have seen UF as a home dog about as many times as we've seen Nick Saban smile at a news conference.

The last time the mighty Gators were underdogs at home was 2003 against FSU. The only other time was in 1999 against FSU. Florida has not been a four-point underdog at home against any team during the last two decades.

But the Gators are at +4 for this one even though the line started at six and has been bet down. This isn't as much about spreads and gambling (illegal at Bushwood, I'm told) as the perception about Alabama vs. Florida.

I can't tell you how many Gator fans have come up to me and asked, “So, do we have a chance?”

Click here for link

[2Stater]

In the 21 years since Florida started its incredible run of success and turned from a sleeping bear into a roaring Gator, we have seen UF as a home dog about as many times as we've seen Nick Saban smile at a news conference.

The last time the mighty Gators were underdogs at home was 2003 against FSU. The only other time was in 1999 against FSU. Florida has not been a four-point underdog at home against any team during the last two decades.

But the Gators are at +4 for this one even though the line started at six and has been bet down. This isn't as much about spreads and gambling (illegal at Bushwood, I'm told) as the perception about Alabama vs. Florida.

I can't tell you how many Gator fans have come up to me and asked, “So, do we have a chance?”

Click here for link

[Old Tider]

Thanks for the link, pmull.. This guy is a good writer

[Coach Hank Crisp]

Watching Alabama dismantle the Razorbacks was like watching killer whales tossing around a seal before consuming it.

I was at the Florida game in 1990. They won after blocking a late punt. Then after the 1992 championship season they went on a unbelievable run. What is different now and back then is that CSS was not new to being a head coach. CSS had been a head coach at Duke, and a WFL? team in team in Tampa. This season, under a first year head coach, they are not in a position to beat a Alabama team as talented and physical as this one. JMHO.

[Chechem]

Watching Alabama dismantle the Razorbacks was like watching killer whales tossing around a seal before consuming it.

I was at the Florida game in 1990. They won after blocking a late punt. Then after the 1992 championship season they went on a unbelievable run. What is different now and back then is that CSS was not new to being a head coach. CSS had been a head coach at Duke, and a WFL? team in team in Tampa. This season, under a first year head coach, they are not in a position to beat a Alabama team as talented and physical as this one. JMHO.

Very good assessment, Crisp.  I sure hope you're right.

My concern centers on the emotional state of the teams, Alabama coming off a slaughter (of baby seals) and Florida feeling "Si, se puede" (Yes, it can happen).  I'll enjoy watching it, but right now I expect a battle, maybe like the Tenn team that nearly upset us in 2009 with (first year) Baby Kiffin at the helm (and much less talent). 

addendum: Yes, I realize that Kiffin had been a head coach before.

[BAMAWV]

Watching Alabama dismantle the Razorbacks was like watching killer whales tossing around a seal before consuming it.

I was at the Florida game in 1990. They won after blocking a late punt. Then after the 1992 championship season they went on a unbelievable run. What is different now and back then is that CSS was not new to being a head coach. CSS had been a head coach at Duke, and a WFL? team in team in Tampa. This season, under a first year head coach, they are not in a position to beat a Alabama team as talented and physical as this one. JMHO.

Very good assessment, Crisp.  I sure hope you're right.

My concern centers on the emotional state of the teams, Alabama coming off a slaughter (of baby seals) and Florida feeling "Si, se puede" (Yes, it can happen).  I'll enjoy watching it, but right now I expect a battle, maybe like the Tenn team that nearly upset us in 2009 with (first year) Baby Kiffin at the helm (and much less talent). 

addendum: Yes, I realize that Kiffin had been a head coach before.

"Creo que" (I believe)

[Catch Prothro]

Good story.  My favorite quotes:

Watching Alabama dismantle the Razorbacks was like watching killer whales tossing around a seal before consuming it.

If [your glass is] half-empty, you buy into that old saying, that Saban may have taught Muschamp everything Muschamp knows, but not everything Saban knows.

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